Antoine Tamestit's history with Bach's Suites BWV 1007-1012 began long ago, when these very works won him to the viola from the violin at age 10. Tamestit's playing and the exceptional sound of his Stradivarius bring an amazing new light to those eternal masterpieces, showing clearly why he is considered one of the greatest violists in the world.

Sunday Times, 10th March 2013These viola transcriptions, by contrast, are all light and air, though by no means deficient in emotional content...He plays a rare Stradivarius viola - nicknamed the "Mahler" - of 1672, whose haunting sound, both warm and bright, will be a joy to Bachians and viola fans alike.

American Record Guide, September/October 2013Antoine Tamestit plays his three suites on viola. He enjoys the dance elements and plays some movements faster than any cellist could achieve with clarity. He goes through the Prelude to Suite 3 in 2:48, for instance, and makes it work. These are musical performances that will make cellists sit up and take note sometimes. Like Vogler, he plays a Strad.

BBC Music Magazine, June 2013Intonation is excellent, his musical intuition profound, and he resists any temptation to trespass on the tonal qualities of modern instruments.

Gramophone Magazine, June 2013Although Tamestit's tone never retreats enough to leave one with the sense of a slightly thin-sounding 'authentic' performance...you are left with the feeling that you're listening to the warmest of violas da gamba. And that, surely, is the greatest authenticity of all.

MusicWeb International, 2nd July 2013Tamestit's viola CD is an absolute treat. He plays with a lightness and tautness that keep the quick dances bouncing, the slower movements singing, and the baroque spirit very much alive. His Stradivarius and baroque bow produce gorgeous tones, dark but sweet.